Our History
The First Minister
In 1708 the original proprietors had set aside Lot #5 for the minister. In late 1712 Thomas Hawley, a graduate of Harvard in 1709, became the first minister of the Church and in 1714 a house was built for Reverend Hawley on "The Proprietors Reserve." This is considered to be the oldest house in Ridgefield today. In addition to serving as the pastor, Reverend Hawley taught school and filled the office of Town Clerk. At the head of what is now Branchville Road was the Village Green where one small building served as a Church, Town Hall and Schoolhouse. The early Church records were incorporated as part of the town records. Reverend Hawley continued to serve the Church and community until his premature death in 1738 at the age of 49.